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Quest To Measure the Venus Transit "Aureole Effect"
astroengine writes "On Tuesday, Venus will race across the sun — the last Venus transit until 2117 — so the world's astronomers are primed to view this enigmatic event. But it's not just for the historical significance of the celestial phenomenon; real science will also be done. Just before the transit begins, as Venus sinks into the Sun's limb (an event known as "ingress"), the atmosphere of the planet is expected to display a crescent glow known as an "aureole." For as long as transits have been recorded, the Venus aureole has been observed. They are caused by sunlight being refracted through the atmosphere. Interestingly, the aureole is not uniform — often a bright spot appears around the planet's poles. This enhancement in brightness is caused by a variation in atmospheric temperature in the polar mesosphere. When detected, astronomers have the great opportunity to gauge the temperature in the Venusian upper atmosphere, comparing their results with atmospheric models and in-situ measurements made by the ESA Venus Express spacecraft currently in orbit around the planet."
I hate the fake kind:-(
Don't be so childish ... oh WTF, scientist are also hoping the phenomenon will allow glimses of Mons Venus.
...was not disappointed.
Aside from the Glasses made for viewing the sun. (In very short supply right now.) I pose a question/challange to my friends on /.; What household items are there to look thru to view the transite? And anyone out there have some test equiptment to verify the filtering ablility of the items found to work? Some things might be good for the visible spectrum and seam like a good choice untill you find that it did'nt block UV and you find yourself night blind on the way home. I do know about the CD trick but the question still stands because there are so many CD types out there.
Some ideas I had would be a glass of Dark soda (flat and without ice) aka; Dr Pepper, Coke. Or maybe Saran Wrap with nail polish. Three or more UV sunglasses. Or maybe a quick walk thru the grocery store with a portable spectrum meter would be in order.
And yes I will have a pinhole box for the fun of it.
If someone came up with a solution; I bet you'd have the applause and friendship of many fellow /.'ers
Gubmy
PS. I watched the solar eclipse with just my very dark sunglasses and only right at sunset thru the polution of Texas City(lots of refineries), Houston, Galveston. It worked out quite well for very quick glances.
I don't want a pickle; I just want a Motor-Cycle! A four foot cop arrived with a five foot gun!